The Ministry of Education has introduced a ’13 years compulsory school education’ policy in line with the government policy that students should complete a minimum of 13 years of education irrespective of the outcome at the GCE (Ordinary Level) examination. Students would be able to complete this in a stream of their choice with the emphasis on vocational and skills training.

Statistics show that annually approximately 120,000 students drop out of school after the GCE (Ordinary Level) Examination. These numbers go unattended and unaccounted for.

Accordingly, the Ministry of Education plans to provide the necessary facilities to students in many selected national schools covering all districts. The project will introduce 26 new technical subjects to the education system and the students will be offered both theoretical and practical knowledge in these subject areas. The subjects include Psychology, Physical Education, Performing Arts, Home Decor, Gardening, Food Processing Science, Agriculture, Aquatic Resource Research, Plantation Management, Apparel and Garment Production, Welding, Software, Ecology, Website design and Tourism.

Meanwhile, 2,100 teachers will be recruited and trained by the National Institute of Education (NIE) and over 15,000 students will benefit through this scheme. The programme implemented last year for the first time, benefited 2,400 students from 65 National schools.

Such reforms will also focus on improving the ratio of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to Non-STEM graduates in the country.

If you wish to obtain further information on the education sector in Sri Lanka, please write to Nishika Hassim - Manager Higher Education and International Education Services at Nishika.Hassim@britishcouncil.org